What's Included on Viking Expedition Cruises?

Viking Expedition Cruises bring the same inclusive value you'd expect from Viking's river and ocean fleets to some of the world's most remote destinations: Antarctica, the Arctic, the Great Lakes, and beyond.

Here's exactly what's included, what costs extra, and how it compares to Viking's other cruise types.

Viking Expedition Inclusions at a Glance

†Silver Spirits Beverage Package available for $27 per person, per day. Both guests in a stateroom must purchase for the full voyage.

What Does a Viking Expedition Cruise Include?

All Dining: No Cover Charges

Viking's expedition ships feature multiple dining venues, all included in your fare:

• The Restaurant – Open-seating main dining with regionally inspired menus
• Manfredi's – Italian cuisine with housemade pasta
• The Chef's Table – Multicourse tasting menus
• World Café – International buffet with live cooking stations
• Mamsen's – Norwegian favorites and heart-shaped waffles
• Aquavit Terrace – Al fresco dining with expedition views

24-hour room service is available for all guests.

Wine, Beer & Soft Drinks with Meals

House wines, beer, and soft drinks are included at every lunch and dinner across all venues.

Specialty coffee, hot teas, and bottled water are complimentary 24/7 at self-serve stations throughout the ship.

Shore Excursions & Expedition Landings

Viking includes at least one excursion or landing in every port, led by expedition experts.

Included activities vary by itinerary but may include:

• Zodiac cruises to observe wildlife and icebergs
• Guided landings in Antarctica, the Arctic, or remote coastal regions
• Kayaking (weather and conditions permitting)
• Special Operations Boat tours
• Hands-on science activities with the onboard research team

Submarine dives are available at an additional cost ($499/person for a 30-minute dive).

Expedition Gear & Equipment

Viking provides everything you need for expedition excursions at no extra charge:

Personal Gear:

• Expedition jacket: Yours to keep on polar itineraries (Antarctica, Arctic). Great Lakes and Grand Journey sailings may include different gear based on climate.
• Loaned gear: Waterproof boots, waterproof pants, life jackets
• In-room binoculars: Meopta 8x42 provided in every stateroom
• Heated drying closet: Every stateroom includes a floor-to-ceiling ventilated closet that circulates warm air to dry wet parkas, boots, and gear overnight. A cult-favorite feature among expedition cruisers.

Expedition Craft:

• Special Operations Boats: Two 12-seat oceangoing RIBs (Rigid Inflatable Boats) with twin water jet propulsion, individually suspended seats, and the ability to convert from open seating to an enclosed cabin
• Zodiacs: A fleet of military-grade inflatable boats for wildlife viewing and shore landings
• Kayaks: Two-seater Arctic-tested kayaks for closer exploration (weather permitting)

All expedition craft launch from The Hangar, an enclosed in-ship marina that allows guests to embark and disembark from a flat, stable surface sheltered from wind and waves.

No need to pack bulky expedition clothing. Viking has you covered.

Complimentary Wi-Fi

Shipwide Wi-Fi is included for all guests with unlimited devices.

Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris use Starlink technology for reliable connectivity in remote polar regions. Unlike competitors with tiered "basic" vs. "premium" Wi-Fi, Viking offers one unlimited speed for all guests at no extra charge.

Streaming may still be limited depending on satellite coverage in extremely remote locations.

LivNordic Spa Thermal Suite

Access to the thermal suite is complimentary for all guests, including:

• Sauna and steam room
• Hydrotherapy pool
• Snow grotto
• Heated stone loungers
• Fitness center

Individual spa treatments (massages, facials) are available at an additional cost.

Enrichment & Science Programs

Viking Expedition ships double as working research vessels. Every voyage includes:

• The Aula: A panoramic auditorium for lectures and briefings
• The Science Lab: Hands-on sessions where guests participate in real research alongside Viking Resident Scientists
• Expedition Team: 25+ experts per voyage, including marine biologists, ornithologists, glaciologists, and polar historians
• Partnerships: Collaborations with the Scott Polar Research Institute (Cambridge) and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Lectures, briefings, and science sessions are included. Many are also available on-demand via your stateroom TV.

Self-Service Laundry

Self-service launderettes with complimentary detergent are available to all guests.

Send-away laundry is available at a per-item fee for most stateroom categories; complimentary for Explorer Suite guests.

Are Gratuities Included on Viking Expedition Cruises?

No. Gratuities are not included in the base fare.

Viking applies a daily service charge of $20 per guest per night (for voyages sailing on or after January 1, 2026) to your shipboard account. You can pre-pay through My Viking Journey, or the charge will be added automatically at the end of your cruise.

Gratuities are distributed among your waitstaff, stateroom stewards, buffet stewards, galley staff, laundry staff, and others.

Shore Excursion Tipping:

• Local guides: $3 per person, per day
• Local drivers: $2 per person, per day

What Is NOT Included on Viking Expedition Cruises?

• Gratuities: $20 per guest, per night (for voyages on or after January 1, 2026)
• Premium drinks: Cocktails, spirits, and premium wines outside meals (Silver Spirits covers these)
• Spa treatments: Massages, facials, salon services (thermal suite access is complimentary)
• Submarine dives: $499 per person; approximately 1 hour total (30 minutes underwater); weather-dependent and not available on all itineraries
• Airfare: Not included unless booked through Viking Air or a specific promotion

The Viking Expedition Fleet

Viking operates two purpose-built Polar Class 6 expedition ships:

• Viking Octantis: Launched 2022; sails Antarctica, the Great Lakes, and North America's east coast
• Viking Polaris: Launched 2022; sails Antarctica and the Arctic

Both ships carry just 378 guests in 189 staterooms, with a crew-to-guest ratio designed for personalized service in remote environments.

Unique features include:

• The Hangar: An enclosed in-ship marina for launching expedition craft from a flat, stable surface sheltered from wind and waves
• Special Operations Boats: Two 12-seat oceangoing RIBs with twin water jet propulsion, individually suspended seats, and convertible open/enclosed cabin
• Zodiacs & Kayaks: A fleet of military-grade Zodiacs and two-seater Arctic-tested kayaks
• Two yellow submarines: Six-guest U-Boat Worx subs with ~270° spherical windows for undersea exploration (optional, $499/person)
• Nordic Balcony staterooms: A floor-to-ceiling glass design that brings the outdoors in. Leave it closed as a "wintergarden" for panoramic views, or lower the top half of your sash window to transform your stateroom into a sheltered al fresco observation platform with fresh air and the sounds of nature.

View Upcoming Viking Expedition Cruises Aboard the Viking Octantis.

View Upcoming Viking Expedition Cruises Aboard the Viking Polaris.

Viking Expedition vs. Ocean vs. River: What's Different?

For more on what's included on Viking's other fleets:

• What's Included on Viking River Cruises
• What's Included on Viking Ocean Cruises

Travel Protection: Strongly Recommended for Expedition Cruises

Expedition voyages travel to some of the most remote locations on Earth, where medical facilities are limited or nonexistent, and terrain can be uneven or slippery.

For guests sailing to Antarctica or the Arctic, Viking strongly recommends Medical Evacuation Insurance coverage for a minimum of $250,000.

While Viking's onboard medical center is staffed by a qualified physician and nurse with basic medications and equipment, medical evacuation from polar regions can be difficult or impossible depending on conditions.

The Cruise Web offers travel protection through Travel Insured International, our trusted partner and a leader in the travel insurance industry. Coverage may include:

• Reimbursement for nonrefundable trip costs if you cancel or interrupt travel for a covered reason
• Benefits for covered medical emergencies and emergency transportation abroad
• Protection for trip delays, baggage delays, and lost or damaged belongings
• 24/7 emergency assistance, including medical referral, evacuation arrangements, and legal assistance

Coverage and pricing vary based on trip cost. Call your Cruise Expert at 1-800-377-9383 for a quote.

Pre-existing condition waiver: Typically available if you purchase the plan within 14 days of your initial trip deposit and are medically able to travel at the time of purchase.

Why Book Viking Expedition Cruises With The Cruise Web?

At The Cruise Web, we've been helping travelers plan unforgettable vacations for over 30 years. With our A+ BBB rating, 4.9-star Google rating, and no booking fees, we make it easy to find the best value on Viking sailings.

Our Cruise Experts can help you:

• Compare expedition itineraries (Antarctica vs. Arctic vs. Great Lakes)
• Navigate current Viking promotions and limited-time offers
• Coordinate flights, transfers, and pre/post-cruise extensions
• Secure the best stateroom category for your budget

Ready to explore the world's most remote destinations with Viking? Call us at 1-800-377-9383 or visit cruiseweb.com to start planning your Viking Expedition adventure today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Viking Expedition Cruises

Is a Viking Expedition Cruise all-inclusive?

Close to it. Your fare includes all dining, one excursion or landing per port, expedition gear, Wi-Fi, spa thermal suite access, and wine/beer/soft drinks at meals. Budget separately for gratuities, premium drinks outside meals, spa treatments, and optional submarine dives.

What expedition gear does Viking provide?

Viking provides a keepsake expedition jacket on polar itineraries, plus loaned waterproof boots, waterproof pants, and life jackets. In-room binoculars are included in every stateroom, and each cabin has a heated drying closet for gear storage.

Are Zodiac excursions included?

Yes. Zodiac cruises, kayaking, and Special Operations Boat tours are included as part of your expedition experience. Activities vary by itinerary and weather conditions.

Are submarine dives included?

No. Submarine dives are part of Viking's optional excursion program at $499 per person. Dives are approximately 1 hour total (30 minutes underwater, plus embarkation and disembarkation) and never deeper than 300 meters.

Guests must attend a mandatory safety briefing on board before diving. Date and time are confirmed on board, and the charge is added to your shipboard account once your dive time is assigned.

Submarines are weather-dependent and may not be available or deployed on all itineraries. A $299 cancellation fee may apply if a confirmed guest cancels less than 48 hours before a scheduled dive.

What ships are in the Viking Expedition fleet?

Viking operates two expedition ships: Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris. Both are purpose-built Polar Class 6 vessels carrying 378 guests.

Which Viking ships travel to the polar regions?

Both Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris are purpose-built Polar Class 6 expedition vessels that sail to Antarctica and the Arctic.

How does Viking Expedition compare to Viking Ocean?

Both include spa thermal suite access, 24-hour room service, self-service laundry, and all dining. Expedition adds complimentary expedition gear, Zodiac and kayak excursions, onboard science programs, and access to remote polar destinations. Ocean ships have more dining venues and carry approximately 930–998 guests compared to 378 on expedition vessels.